“You may not be able to tell the difference,” says the advertisement’s narrator, as both the iPad and the Kindle Fire HD sit side-by-side displaying the same images. “But your wallet definitely can.”

Amazon’s new 30-second ad draws the comparison in screen resolution between the iPad and the (new, larger) Fire HD 8.9-inch screen. Visually, the Fire looks awesome. Actually, both tablet screens do. I feel that strictly based on just screen clarity, sure, either would be a sufficient choice for new tablet owners.

Are tablet users really most concerned with screen resolution? Correct me if I’m wrong but aren’t OS and user-ability ranked somewhat high in deciding which computer is best for an individual; perhaps above display preference?

Comments:

It depends. I didn’t get a Fire because I wanted full access to Google Play, so yes, I bought my Nexus 7 based on features more than screen resolution.

But the screen on my Nexus 7 is so darned pretty that I use the Nexus 7 more than the iPad for certain functions, notably reading. I only read on my iPad 2 to test out reading apps. Otherwise, it’s Nexus 7 first and Touch second. And right now that pretty screen is making my Touch a somewhat distant second.

Screen resolution alone, no.
But if you’re looking for a tablet as a color reader then high-resolution is going to be on the short list of desirable features along with weight and a strong variety of reading apps.
Other things I considered were aspect ratio, ergonomics in both portrait and landscape, audio quality, and (yes) cost.

Of course, if Amazon sold the Kindle Fire HD in my country (Mexico), there would be no doubt which tablet to buy, as I already own a Kindle Keyboard.
But Apple allowed me to buy an iPad in my own country, so there’s nothing to discuss there. Availability matters, Amazon, not just price.